FLP searches for party leader

THE Fiji Labour Party has started discussions on the search for a new party leader.

According to the party, the new leader who would lead the party into this year's general election would be known in the next few months.

FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry was earlier convicted of violation of Sections of the Exchange Control Act and cannot contest this year's election.

Meanwhile, in an earlier interview with this newspaper, Mr Chaudhry confirmed the party's candidate line-up for this year's poll would comprise a mixture of youths and experienced people who would form the core of the party's team.

He said the party was in a rebuilding and reviving phase and they would have to start with new candidates.

"People have gone, some people are no longer with us, they have passed on so there will have to be a new slate," he said.

Mr Chaudhry had said the party faced issues in the past with recruiting women candidates. "Even now, it will be difficult for political parties to get good qualified candidates."